Recently, I took my daughter for her annual wellness visit, which inevitably includes vaccinations. Like most kids, she’s not a fan of needles (who is?), so her nerves were on edge.

She nervously asked the doctor, “Do I need any shots today?” His reply was a straightforward, “Unfortunately, yes.” Cue the upset.

Trying to calm her down, I reminded her why vaccinations are important—not just for ourselves but for the safety of everyone around us. The doctor chimed in, thanking us for emphasizing that point. “Often,” he said, “we forget that vaccinations are as much about others as they are about ourselves.”

For our family, this perspective on vaccinations has always been crucial. When the COVID vaccine became available, we wasted no time in getting our daughter vaccinated. It wasn’t that we feared she’d suffer severely from COVID; after all, it seemed to spare younger people. But we do have a great-grandmother in her nineties and protecting her was paramount. We wanted our daughter to be able to visit without putting her at risk.

To us, it’s a very Wesleyan approach—vaccinating not just for ourselves but to show love and care for our neighbors, echoing God’s love for others in our actions.

I understand not everyone shares this view on vaccines, and that’s okay. As August rolls in, it’s National Immunization Awareness Month, and I wanted to take a moment, as MI Benefits Guy, to share why vaccinations are a big deal in our household. It’s not just about physical health but about spiritual reflection—about showing love and responsibility for our community.

If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, please talk to your primary physician. And remember, MI Benefits Guy sent you.

Last Updated on August 1, 2024